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May 07, 2013

Managing The Pace And Grounding The Vision: May's Solar Eclipse in Taurus

The golden moments in the stream of life rush past us, and we see nothing but sand; the angels come to visit us, and we only know them when they are gone. George Eliot

Every event that a man would master must be mounted on the run, and no man ever caught the reins of a thought except as it galloped past him. Oliver Wendell Holmes

I am not a speed-reader. I am a speed understander. Isaac Asimov

All human joys are swift of wing, For heaven doth so allot it; That when you get an easy thing, You find you haven’t got it. Eugene Field

The cloud never comes in the quarter of the horizon from which we watch for it. Elizabeth Gaskell

Every cloud has a silver lining. Proverb

A great wind is blowing, and that gives you either imagination or a headache. Catherine the Great

The annular solar eclipse (solar eclipses are always on a new Moon) in Taurus is the second of three consecutive eclipses. So, with this eclipse, we are half-way through this current eclipse season. The last eclipse was a lunar eclipse (these always fall on the full moon and occur approx every six months) on the 26th April in Australia and the 25th in the United States. The next lunar eclipse is on May 25.

This week's solar eclipse falls on May 10 in Australia and May 9 in the United States. This is a south node solar eclipse, meaning it's a time to analyse what we don't want in our lives, to find what we need to release or let go of and to make plans for the future. Being in Taurus, this is a good time to make some positive affirmations around money along with issues of self worth. This is a very Taurean new Moon, with Mars, the south node, Mercury, the Moon, the Sun and Pallas Athena all in Taurus. Venus, the ruler of Taurus, is in Taurus right up until the eclipse when it slips into Gemini.

This eclipse can bring up issues from last November as this eclipse is a reversal of that eclipse. This is a chance to see how you're going in terms of what began or what was happening then.

The Sabian Symbol for the eclipse is Taurus 20: Wisps Of Clouds, Like Wings, Are Streaming Across The Sky.

You may feel driven forward, almost out of your own control. In doing so you run the risk of
either going past things too quickly, or tiring if you try to resist the momentum of forward push. It may be best to let the superficial excitement affect you and then be prepared to go back and sort out the details later. However, there can be a danger in making decisions and taking action too quickly; without enough consideration. You may find that you have no choice. You have an opportunity before you, and it could feel like it’s now or never and you must seize the day. Another element of this Symbol is that there can be very little actually going on around you, but there is so much going on over your head. Your imagination is active, but perhaps you are not really aware of it. You may find that your mind is working out what to do in this situation and in the next day or so “the coin will drop”. Enjoying the pleasant “weather” around you and allow the natural energies to blow away the confusing aspects of your life.

Keywords: Fleeting opportunities or inspiration. Feeling things “in the wind”. Seeking a change in the weather. Thinking on your feet. Doing things at a fast pace. Placing too much importance on the fast movement of the issue at hand. Wasting energy on non essentials. Things floating in the air. Going at full tilt. Skywriting. Vapor trails. Here one minute, gone the next. Messages read from clouds. Planes. The beauty of the sky.

It can be instructive to think back to the last time there was a solar eclipse in Taurus on this degree. It was May 1994. What were you doing then? What were your hopes and dreams then? What did you seed at that time?

With Taurus, there's a longing for family, perhaps for procreation, a longing for connection, and to be able to fulfil your physical and/or financial needs.

Pallas Athena, who represents the smart warrior woman, is smack on this solar eclipse. To learn more about Pallas Athena's mythology click here.

The Karmic Condition (the degree before) this new Moon is Taurus 19: A New Continent Rising From The Ocean. This speaks of rising up out of the past and embracing new beginnings, new territory, new possibilities. This degree is especially strong as just hours after the eclipse, Mercury moves onto this degree. A few days later, Mars transits this degree, so this is very much a time of embracing the new.

One does not discover new continents without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time. Andre Gide

The Caution: Continually seeking “new worlds” rather than finding a place in the existing one. No responsibility for the birth of the new. No respect for the old or established. Not shifting or evolving.

There are continents and seas in the moral world, to which every man is an isthmus or inlet, yet unexplored by him. Henry David Thoreau

As this is a south node eclipse, it has the feeling of having to define where we are now, what
we are truly capable of and taking steps to heal the past in order to move into the future. Scorpio, a rather reptilian sign, is where the north node is and it has only Saturn in Scorpio at the moment for company in that sign. This can bring about a tug-of-war between what you want, what's possible and where you want to be. All that lovely Taurean energy is pulling us back to a place of safety and comfort, or so it may seem to some. Others may feel a strong desire to push forward, but it seems some backing off is required in order to get a sense of the fuller picture.

The Quest Symbol (the degree after) the eclipse degree is Taurus 21: A Moving Finger Points To Significant Passages In A Book. This degree can have us wanting to write a book, a blog, a letter, or, perhaps, a poem. It can also bring the desire to learn, to study something, to take what is significant in terms of the messages we are meant to hear.

The telephone book is full of facts, but it doesn’t contain a single idea. Mortimer Adler

The Caution: Doing things because they need to be done and only going by the rules of the book. Automated responses. Religious fundamentalism. Only doing those things that are officially sanctioned. Not observing the entire picture. Keeping tallies. Flaunting the rules.

Venus rules Taurus and it moves into Gemini right on the eclipse. This can help bring a new perspective, especially as the first degree of Gemini is so perceptive, so 'seeing' and knowing - when we have the 'eyes' to see.

Venus is on Gemini 1: A Glass-Bottomed Boat Reveals Undersea Wonders. This is a very
insightful degree, and it's by looking at life through a set of lenses that work for you that you get to see below the surface to what is really going on.

The world will never starve for want of wonders; but only for want of wonder. Gilbert Keith Chesterton

Keywords: Being able to see “within” to forms that are not usually observed by others. Clairvoyance. Observance of psychic phenomena. Connecting with the collective unconscious. Spiritual gifts that enlarge ones perspective. Amusement and wonder at natural beauty. Glass, lenses, refractions of light. Panoramic views. Water. Boats. Vehicles of discovery.

The Caution: Putting up barriers of social safety to avoid involvement in deep emotions. Overemphasis on safety concerns. Watching things from a distance, leading to separation and estrangement. Looking in the wrong direction. Cool, detached attitudes.

Mars is in Taurus and will be transiting over the eclipse point about 5 days after the eclipse. This is likely to have things speeding up somewhat. Mars also passes over the South Node a day or two after the eclipse, bringing the possibility of being roused enough to let definitively let go of what is bothering you or no longer needed.

Mars is on Taurus 15: A Man With A Silk Hat, Muffled Against The Cold, Braves The Storm. This Symbol speaks of putting on a happy, dignified and brave face, even if you are feeling like screaming into the wind.

Keywords: Inner poise being more important than outer appearances. Braving stormy weather. Ploughing on through difficulties. Being willing to weather storms and take on the hard times. Having tasks or errands to perform when one would rather not. Hats, scarves and muffles. Sudden change of circumstances.

The Caution: Not showing your true feelings. Superficial show of strength. Not noticing things improving. Always battling the “elements”. Complaining and whining instead of getting on with the task at hand. Wanting to be pampered and not face up to life’s storms. Considering appearance before all else. Superficiality. Insufficient or inappropriate clothing or apparel.

With Mars transiting the Moon's south node, many may experience the feeling of having to battle things out. Whether it is an internal or an external battle, coming to terms with things by laying them to rest or by bringing 'light' to situations may be key. Walking away from arguments or battles may be the best way forward, especially if you have 'fought' this fight before, had this battle perhaps a few too many times.

The Moon's south node (a particularly karmic point) is on Taurus 17: A Symbolical Battle Between Swords, The Disciples Of Might, and Torches, The Disciples of Enlightenment.

Imagination is the one weapon in the war against reality. Jules de Gaultier

Keywords: The battle of “might versus light”. The Spear of Destiny. Spiritual differences. Arguments. The story of Hitler. The Inquisition. The Crusades. Bringing love and light to war zones. The pen being mightier than the sword. Peace marches, Candles, torches. Weapons. The might of the media.

The Caution: Controlling those around with rational or brute force rather than with inner enlightenment or knowledge. People arguing over ideals. Forcing opinions on each other. Religious conflicts. War rallies. Propaganda.

In the few days before the eclipse, Mercury will be going over the above 'battle' degree Symbol, with Mars following a day or two later. One hopes that the current warring in the world will be contained and dissipated. In Australia and elsewhere in the world, the Church is coming under fire for the sexual abuse of children.

Mercury is on Taurus 18: A Woman Airing An Old Bag Through A Sunny Window To Give It Air And Sunshine. This is a degree of bringing light and air to dark corners. This can be on many levels; you may be cleaning out your cupboards, emptying out your 'bags' in some way, airing them and renewing them. In some cases, it's a matter of throwing things out. You may have clothes, shoes, bags, linen or other possessions that are cluttering up your life and it could be time to let go of those things that are just getting in your way. It is true that often our possessions end up owning us.

As this is Mercury on this degree, it is also, and probably more importantly, about cleaning out those habits, thoughts, beliefs or sabotage mechanisms that keep you chained in unhealthy habits or relationships. This degree is very much about bringing what was hidden to the surface so those things can be dealt with.

Keywords: Psychoanalysis. Past life regressions or memories. Doing domestic chores with a feeling of purpose. Work shopping ideas. Bringing light and freshness to old feelings. Renewal. Throwing out the old or outlived. Cleaning out rooms. Renovations. Letting the sunshine in.

The Caution: Expecting others to take responsibility for cleaning up and airing out. Hanging on to outworn things and memories. Airing one’s ‘dirty laundry’ in public. Rehashing old situations. Going over the same ground over and over. Bringing up issues when it’s inappropriate. Depressed attitudes.

Better keep yourself clean and bright; you are the window through which you must see the world. George Bernard Shaw

Jupiter is on Gemini 20: A Cafeteria With An Abundance Of Choices. This is a great
degree for Jupiter to be on during this eclipse as it can show that we often do have choices, even if we feel that we don't. The trick is to choose the thing that gives you the most nourishment, the most freedom of expression, the best sense of freedom. Especially as this is Jupiter, there's a desire to be able to reach out for the things you want in life. Jupiter in Gemini is reinforcing the idea of the Law Of Attraction - that our thoughts can (and do) create our lives and control the directions we might head in.

Saturn is on Scorpio 8: A Silvery Moon Shining Across A Beautiful Gem Of A Lake. This speaks about the need to get below the surface of things. This is quite a strong 'reflective' degree and one of the more interesting Scorpionic images in that it asks us to get below surface appearances in order to nut out what is really happening. Saturn here can be rather resistant to new insights or impulses, but the trick is to discern what is true and what is merely a projection from yourself or others. Seeing life as a mirror can lead us to understand where we can be most effective as well as those areas that we have no place in exploring. Saturn on this degree shows the need to understand your boundaries; where you begin and end and where others fit into your story. Each year, on Halloween, the Sun is on this degree and this motif of the moon on the lake is often seen in Halloween images - often with a bat or a pumpkin somewhere to add to the Halloween flavour.

Hence, this can a bit of a trick-or-treat moment in time as there can be a feeling of not knowing what is truly yours and what belongs with someone else. With a desire to delve, great depths can be seen and learnt and issues resolved. Forgiveness is always key with Saturn in Scorpio.

Uranus is on Aries 11: The President Of The Republic Or The Ruler Of The Country. Uranus on this degree asks us to reach into our sense of personal power and to broadcast into your world a sense of being able to be in charge of your life. This is a powerful degree and it really ramps up the feeling of the Uranus/Pluto square that we are experiencing. Uranus is often the rebel, the one who wants us to be authentic, Aries backs this up and this President Of The Republic degree makes it even more so. So, it's about being prepared to drop back into a sense of self that is deep and authentic.

What government is the best? That which teaches us to govern ourselves. Goethe

Keywords: Developing willpower. Inner power, discipline and integrity. Discipline of thoughts, emotions and actions. Leadership, power and ability along with their responsibilities. Accepting responsibility for one’s actions. “Calling the shots”. Rulers, presidents, leaders. Taking charge. The need for loyal subjects. Being voted in. The democratic process.

The Caution: Taking control. Lording it over everyone. Being overbearing. Not allowing others to be in charge of their own lives, health or situation. Egotistical and self-centered. Undermining others through a lack of self-awareness or confidence. Being larger than life. Dictators and tyrants. Military Governments.

Neptune is on Pisces 6: A Parade Of Army Officers In Full Dress. This degree, especially with Neptune on it, can indicate the feeling of having to 'turn up', do what needs to be done, looking after others, being someone others can count on, having a sense of duty and feeling like you're on duty in some way. The trick is to be up and doing what feels authentic to you,not just doing it because others expect it of you. Of course, with Neptune here, there is bound to be some measure of having to perform, having to front up and do the right thing, but in general there's a need to remember what you want to get involved in and what you don't.

Keywords: National pride on display. Reminders of those putting life and limb on the line for kin and country. Uniforms, hats. People seeking recognition from the community, regardless of what they’ve personally achieved. Patriotism. Memories of war. Being committed to service. Medals. Stripes. Uniformity. Grinning and bearing it. Projecting the “right image”. Drills and routines. Displays of courage. Assembling together. Braiding and piping. Spit and polish. Parades and marching. Police and law enforcement. Guns and bayonets. The importance of looking good.

The Caution: “Stiff” and unfeeling displays. Having special privileges that others don’t. Doing what one must do. Hiding behind a façade. Not being prepared, or able, to show one’s true self. “Drill sergeants” who scream and shout. People parading their importance. False courage. Taking the glory away from the little people. Wearing anything.

Saturn, being retrograde, is moving backwards into a nice trine relationship with Neptune, showing the desire, or the need, to define what your dreams are, what plans you want to put into operation and how you see the structures of your life supporting you. For some, this will include finding a place to be that provides them with a sense of purpose and adventure.

Pluto is on Capricorn 12: A Student Of Nature Lecturing, Revealing Little Known Aspects Of Life. So much knowledge and knowing is coming through us now. Whether you are a 'teacher' or a 'student', there is much to be learnt on a deep, transformative level. Revelations about the nature of life and nature are likely to be coming forward now, sometimes in surprising ways.

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Managing The Pace And Grounding The Vision: May's Solar Eclipse in Taurus

The golden moments in the stream of life rush past us, and we see nothing but sand; the angels come to visit us, and we only know them when they are gone. George Eliot

Every event that a man would master must be mounted on the run, and no man ever caught the reins of a thought except as it galloped past him. Oliver Wendell Holmes

I am not a speed-reader. I am a speed understander. Isaac Asimov

All human joys are swift of wing, For heaven doth so allot it; That when you get an easy thing, You find you haven’t got it. Eugene Field

The cloud never comes in the quarter of the horizon from which we watch for it. Elizabeth Gaskell

Every cloud has a silver lining. Proverb

A great wind is blowing, and that gives you either imagination or a headache. Catherine the Great

The annular solar eclipse (solar eclipses are always on a new Moon) in Taurus is the second of three consecutive eclipses. So, with this eclipse, we are half-way through this current eclipse season. The last eclipse was a lunar eclipse (these always fall on the full moon and occur approx every six months) on the 26th April in Australia and the 25th in the United States. The next lunar eclipse is on May 25.

This week's solar eclipse falls on May 10 in Australia and May 9 in the United States. This is a south node solar eclipse, meaning it's a time to analyse what we don't want in our lives, to find what we need to release or let go of and to make plans for the future. Being in Taurus, this is a good time to make some positive affirmations around money along with issues of self worth. This is a very Taurean new Moon, with Mars, the south node, Mercury, the Moon, the Sun and Pallas Athena all in Taurus. Venus, the ruler of Taurus, is in Taurus right up until the eclipse when it slips into Gemini.

This eclipse can bring up issues from last November as this eclipse is a reversal of that eclipse. This is a chance to see how you're going in terms of what began or what was happening then.

The Sabian Symbol for the eclipse is Taurus 20: Wisps Of Clouds, Like Wings, Are Streaming Across The Sky.